Gold

Overview

Gold is a heavy metal that can be measured in blood, urine, or tissue samples as a biomarker for exposure to gold-containing substances. While gold is generally considered biologically inert and non-toxic in small amounts, elevated levels can indicate occupational or therapeutic exposure. Gold exposure typically occurs through jewelry manufacturing, dental work, electronics production, or certain medical treatments. Historically, gold compounds were used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, though this practice has largely been replaced by safer alternatives. In rare cases, excessive gold accumulation can lead to a condition called chrysiasis, where gold deposits cause a bluish-gray discoloration of the skin and other tissues. Gold biomarker testing is primarily used in occupational health monitoring for workers in gold-related industries, investigating suspected gold poisoning, or monitoring patients who have received gold-based medical treatments. Normal individuals typically have very low or undetectable levels of gold in their biological samples, so any significant elevation warrants investigation into potential exposure sources.

Testing Levels:

• High ( ) -
  
  
• Mid -
  
  
• Low ( ) -

Why We Test Gold

Testing for gold levels may be necessary if you have occupational exposure to gold compounds in jewelry making, electronics manufacturing, or mining operations. Gold can accumulate in tissues and potentially cause allergic reactions, skin sensitization, or other adverse effects with prolonged exposure. Monitoring gold biomarkers helps assess the extent of exposure and evaluate whether safety protocols are adequate in workplace settings. Additionally, testing may be warranted if you're experiencing unexplained symptoms that could be related to gold exposure from dental work, jewelry, or industrial contact.

What Affects It

Factors influencing blood gold levels include occupational exposure (jewelry making, mining, electronics manufacturing), medical treatments (gold-based medications like auranofin for rheumatoid arthritis), dental work (gold fillings, crowns), and dietary supplements containing colloidal gold. Environmental exposure through contaminated water or soil, certain cosmetic products, and industrial processes can also affect gold biomarker levels. Additionally, kidney function impacts gold elimination from the body, potentially leading to accumulation in individuals with renal impairment.

How to Improve

For high gold levels, reducing exposure to gold-containing medications, dental work, or occupational sources is essential. Chelation therapy may be considered in cases of significant toxicity, and supporting kidney function through adequate hydration helps facilitate elimination. For low gold levels (when therapeutic gold treatment is prescribed), ensuring proper medication compliance and regular monitoring of blood levels are important. However, since gold is not an essential nutrient, low levels in healthy individuals typically require no intervention. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider ensure that gold levels remain safe and therapeutically appropriate when gold-based treatments are used.

Common Name: Gold